The High Court has recently emphasized the importance of maintaining separate investigations for predicate offenses and offenses under the PMLA. In a case where the accused was charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, the High Court held that the mere filing of a charge sheet for the predicate offenses cannot be a basis for releasing the accused on bail in connection with PMLA offenses.

The Court’s ruling underscores the distinct nature of investigations under the PMLA, which are designed to combat money laundering. This judgment serves as a reminder that the ED’s investigations are separate and distinct from those conducted for predicate offenses, and that the bail eligibility of accused individuals must be evaluated accordingly.